Araneta Center and Coca-Cola: Bringing Pinoy together for a Magical Christmas!

It could have been just another typical day but Christmas came early at the Araneta Center last November 12, 2011.

The Araneta Coliseum parking lot once again magically transformed into one merry Christmasville where people celebrated happy moments as one. The young, the young at heart, barangays, barkadas, kapuso, kapatid, kapamilya and everyone in between came together for a worthwhile time of sharing and to usher in a happy holiday season at the Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan and the annual Araneta Center Giant Tree Lighting.

No question, it’s the most anticipated Christmas get-together in town, which all started with a gleeful welcome from the Coca-Cola Agawin ang Eksena winners who performed melodic renditions of well-loved carols. And while everyone was getting their Yuletide groove on, the Coca-Cola Music Bus spread happiness around the center, showering partakers with a total experience matched with an ice-cold Coke and gifts aplenty.

But all those were just juicy appetizers to the bigger, more heartwarming surprises. One of which was a succulent Noche Buena feast whipped up by tinsel town’s beloved teen celebrities who served guests with mouth-watering eats like barbecues, pizza, ice cream, cotton candy, even our favorite Christmas delights, putobumbong and bibingka. The best part? Our one and only Coca-Cola, was overflowing, delighting guests with its refreshingly unique fizz and delicious taste that gives that aaahhh to every meal; that uplifting zing we have all grown to love and share with our loved ones.

But this isn’t the usual fiesta of stars. In the spirit of Christmas, these celebrities from different stations came together as one whole happy family. Leading this heartwarming joining of hands were Coca-Cola ambassadors Kathryn Bernardo, Joseph Marco, Julia Montes and Enchong Dee. With ABS-CBN young idols Empress Schuck, Jessy Mendiola and Arron Villaflor along with GMA stars Kris Bernal, Rocco Nacino, Steven Silva, Sef Cadayona, Diva Montelaba, Barbie Forteza and Joshua Dionisio, they all shared wonderful moments together just like every Pinoy family will—laughing, bonding and exchanging stories over warm, delicious meals and a Coke.

The young stars weren’t only there for the eating spree and merriment. More importantly, they were also there to lend a hand to our less fortunate fellowmen. Throughout the caravan, they encouraged guests to donate whatever they can for the Manila Boystown, making the day even more worthwhile; making Christmas merrier for those who will be blessed with the heartfelt gifts collected.

Of course, the heart of the occasion remained to be the traditional lighting of the Araneta Center giant Christmas tree, which was made grander and even more sparkling this year. In fact, it’s the 30^th year this custom was celebrated. Standing at almost 100ft. this year’s tree is bedecked with more than 10, 000 lights and hundreds of stars and Coca-Cola Christmas balls, with huge ribbons and colorful gift boxes as accents. Through the years, it has been a beacon of hope among the Filipinos; a most cherished icon that signals the beginning of the holiday season and reminds us to always believe in the magic and happiness it brings, the same way Coca-Cola inspires. A special toast and an awe-inspiring fireworks display followed once the tree has been fully lit and glowing.

Open holiday happiness now for people you cherished most with a Coca-Cola Christmas Box! Just follow these simple steps: (1) Drink Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite or Royal Tru Orange in any 400ml, 500mL, 750mL, 1Liter, 1.25L, 1.5Liter or 2Liter packs; (2) Collect 2 caps in exchange for 1 raffle coupon which may be claimed at participating sari-sari stores, public market stalls, Coke sales offices and Coke Dealers redemption centers from November 1 to December 30, 2011 only; (3) Text in the code in the coupon to join the electronic raffle. It’s that easy! Winners will be selected per area nationwide, daily. The Coca-Cola Christmas Boxes will be delivered right to the winners’ doorsteps! See posters and visit coca-cola.com.ph for more details.

The annual celebration of food, music and happiness surely took to a whole new high with fun and heartwarming moments shared only in the best of ways. The season of true joy is now officially opened and refreshed! Now, don’t you just wish it’s Christmas day, everyday?

And yes, that’s not all! The food party and tree lighting extravaganza were followed by a jam-packed dance concert featuring the young stars and the hottest Pinoy bands of today, the Aspog Band and Spongecola. It was a musical showdown like no other, leaving everyone who joined the party on high spirits.

Throughout the night, Coca-Cola ambassadors also gave away special raffle prizes. What did these lucky guests get? Big red boxes filled with surprising Christmas treats, perfect for sharing and spreading the love this Christmastime! Well, you could get one for yourself or the whole family when you join the Coca-Cola Christmas Box Surprize Promo. In this easy-win promo, you not only get the chance to win Noche Buena gift baskets, Coca-Cola products, Bench gift certificates, cool gadgets like iPads, digital cameras, PS3s, Wii and others, you might also take home a whopping Php 1M pesos!

For more updates and highlights of the caravan, visit the Coca-Cola fan page on Facebook or go to coca-cola.com.ph. Para sa Pagsasamang Hahanap-hanapin. Open Coca-Cola, Open Happiness.